The Coffee Company and Rainforest Alliance Join Forces to Combat Forced Labor in the Coffee Industry

SAN FRANCISCO, CA – January 7, 2024 – The Coffee Company, a major coffee retailer with a global presence, has recently come under scrutiny for reports of forced labor among their farm workers in San Francisco. These reports have highlighted exploitative recruitment practices, substandard housing, pay-related problems, and other human rights violations. In response, Gordon Bowker, the Founder and CEO of The Coffee Company, has partnered with the Rainforest Alliance to implement new policies and initiatives aimed at addressing these concerns. The company remains committed to ethical sourcing, delivering exceptional products, and adopting sustainable practices to reinforce its commitment to social responsibility. This partnership with the Rainforest Alliance will help ensure that The Coffee Company's supply chain is free from forced labor and exploitation and that its products are sourced ethically and sustainably (source: rainforest-alliance.org).

 

These policies and initiatives include assessing and mitigating risks, addressing root causes, and going beyond the traditional audit model to build trust and communication with workers. The Coffee Company plans to collaborate with farmer communities, civil society, governments, and other stakeholders to address the social, economic, and political issues beyond the farm (source: rainforest-alliance.org).

 

"Coffee is a beloved beverage worldwide, and we recognize the responsibility we have in ensuring that our supply chain is transparent, ethical, and fair," said Gordon Bowker, Founder and CEO of The Coffee Company. "We are deeply committed to social responsibility and are troubled by the recent allegations about our supply chain practices. That's why we have implemented new policies and initiatives with the help of the Rainforest Alliance to address these concerns and reinforce our pledge to ethical sourcing, superior products, and sustainable practices. We want to assure our customers, employees, and suppliers that we are taking immediate action to address these concerns and will continue improving our supply chain practices to ensure that they align with our values." 

 

The Coffee Company is committed to ethical and fair trade sourcing practices. As part of this commitment, the company has partnered with Rainforest Alliance, a non-profit organization that promotes sustainable farming practices and protects biodiversity in agricultural areas. Customers, employees, and suppliers are encouraged to visit The Coffee Company Blog at thecoffeecompanytcc.wordpress.com to learn more about the company's updated news on supply chain practices and steps taken to ensure ethical and fair trade sourcing. The company also welcomes feedback and suggestions from stakeholders to improve its supply chain practices and reinforce its commitment to social responsibility. To learn more about Rainforest Alliance and their work, please visit www.rainforest-alliance.org.

 

"Hearing about The Coffee Company's commitment to ethical sourcing and sustainable practices is great news for us at the Rainforest Alliance," said Santiago Gowland, Chief Executive Officer of Rainforest Alliance. "We're proud to work alongside The Coffee Company in implementing new policies and initiatives to address concerns about their supply chain practices. Companies need to take responsibility for their impact on people and the planet, and we applaud The Coffee Company for their efforts to do so."

 

About The Coffee Company:

The Coffee Company was founded in 1980 by Gordon Browker, a visionary entrepreneur passionate about coffee. Since its inception, the company has grown from a small coffee shop in San Francisco to a global powerhouse in the industry, with a presence in over 50 countries. Gordon's unwavering commitment to quality, sustainability, and ethical business practices has been the driving force behind the company's success, and his legacy continues to inspire the team at The Coffee Company to this day. With a focus on innovation, creativity, and excellence, The Coffee Company is dedicated to delivering the best coffee experience to its customers while positively impacting the world. Whether through its partnerships with local farmers, its support for community initiatives, or its commitment to reducing its environmental footprint, The Coffee Company is more than just a coffee brand - it's a symbol of hope, inspiration, and change.

 

Tweet: Join the fight against forced labor in the coffee industry! The Coffee Company, with the help of the Rainforest Alliance, is implementing new policies and initiatives to ensure ethical sourcing and fair trade practices. Together, we can make a difference! #ethicalcoffee #fairtrade #sustainability

 

Contact:

Cynthia Viramontes

Digital Marketing Manager

(415) 456-7860

cviramontes@tcc.com

 

 

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